Let's take a look at the new Traxxas Sledge for 2024! Does this make you want it more? Will it now be better than the Arrma Kraton or Team Corally Kagama?
Well it hasn't officially been released yet so it's possible there's something more but this looked pretty comprehensive. It's kind of in line with what Traxxas has been doing lately too. With this price increase the Sledge is now over $200 more expensive than the Kagama once you factor in the perpetual coupons you can get on it.
@@user-ii4no1cv7r what issues did you have with your Kagama? The only wire that's long is the one that goes from the ESC to the receiver box. That's a little bit of an inconvenience but it's not too bad.
Listen to do rc the kagama is a beast ! Only down side is the parts but the overall truck experience is like no other it’s like an outcast mixed with Kraton and fast af
@@TMIVRC Yeah and parts are only really a downside if you don't like buying them online. If you don't mind buying them online it's really not a big deal.
At least in my experience it's not too bad. For normal bashing it holds up just fine. That being said I think there are definitely some things they could have done to make people happy with the increased price. At least to me this just feels like an excuse
Same old Traxxas. Very grateful there's no local Traxxas dealers near me and I've avoided them since the release of the trx4m. Only way I'll own Traxxas is if someone gives me one for free. This "upgrade " and price hike just solidified my opinion on the company.
Yeah this one's a tough thing to understand. It's like they think they can put themselves in a different price bracket as the competition and still compete. Who knows maybe they can. They are good at making money it just doesn't make much sense to me
@DoRC loyal fan base and those who have invested in the traxxas ecosystem and don't want to buy new batteries and chargers etc. The entire industry need to be less proprietary and more universal like battery connection should be more USB-C and just works with all chargers.
@uncreate10 unfortunately it's very very difficult to mass produce something like that in the US without it being ridiculously expensive and since all of the competition is made overseas they wouldn't be able to compete. Of course with the way their prices are going I'm not really sure it matters.
A Traxxas Sledge v1 was my first "ante up purchase". I got the Traxxas charger bundle etc. My first run I took it to a huge dirt parking lot used for rodeos. A rear dog bone just flew out, both Traxxas battery packs were swollen near the bottom and two tires came unglued. I warrantied the batteries and sold everything for a loss on FB... I almost got out of the hobby completely after that purchase. I'm not saying Traxxas makes the worst RC's; but newbies beware, their advertising will have you believing everything they make is #1 in the industry out of the box and that is just not true. If I sound bitter... Well, I still am haha.
Well Traxxas batteries aren't the best, all companies tend to have problems with not gluing their tires except for TC for some reason and the dog bone thing was a defect out of the factory. They forgot to put o-rings in where they were supposed to be. That was corrected pretty quickly too. Overall the sledge is a decent platform it's just hard to recommend when the Kagama is $200 cheaper and better
Kagama and Kraton exb all the way ! You haven’t led us astray thank you for the update though really hoping for more corally releases really want them To touch the short course market😅
I was thinking “ok they’re trying to justify the $699 price” and then you mentioned a price increase. Traxxas must never want me to buy one of these. At this point I would expect a 7.4v BEC and esc to have handle it, an actually good motor fan, 4mm thick 7075 chassis and machined ring and pinion on top of everything listed here
@@DoRC for me I keep coming back to the machete 6s. 4mm 7075 chassis and competent hobbywing brushless system for $499? And it’s bigger in all dimensions than basically any other 6s truck (besides height which is largely irrelevant). Only reason I don’t have one is because I dont really have a big RC itch to scratch. Very much eyeing the k4 size. Erevo seems to be all the 6s I really need
@@dylanwhite6539 Agree. For me, I cannot get past the 6s vxl esc. It is awful. The worst esc on the market in the most expensive 1/8th scale vechile on the market. I bought the Maxx/Slash and run it mainly on 4s because the throttle control is non-existent. I don't necessarily need sensored brushless level of control but I need much more than what this offers. If you barely touch the throttle and it surges forward and it can't keep a steady slow pace with light throttle inputs, then that is the sign of a bad esc. One that is either being overly taxed or is severely lacking some of the latest esc programming technology or perhaps lacks it all together. It is extremely frustrating because I like the fact that Traxxas over builds it's vechiles and they do make some nice ones for both their 3s and 6s lineups. The esc for both lineups rules me out as a potential buyer of either lineup with the exception of the Maxx Slash. The Maxx offers a good driving experience. I do not understand why they can't duplicate that in the 3s and 6s lineups. Until they fix these esc's, they can continue to expect to lose sales to their competition.
You can make the best built vechile in the world, with all the bells and whistles but if it has a bad esc, the vechile is worth nothing. Until they either fix or replace this current 6s vxl esc, so that it offers the same level of sophistication that competitors offer, specifically centered on better throttle control at slower speeds, I will not buy anything that Traxxas makes in either 3s or 6s. I'm sorry, this esc is maddening. I should nor have to run a 4s battery on what is advertised as a 6s system in order to get the vechile to drive like it should. Albeit, significantly slower. I might as well save the $70 to $300 and get another 6s vechile that does drive properly and as advertised. AS a proper 6s vechile should drive.
I higly suggest to anyone that is getting into the hobby, get a HBX rc car, a rlaarlo omni terminator or the new HPI quantum2 flux. Those are cheap decent monster trucks/buggy truggy worth spending money in. Durable, nice, often brushless and easy/cheap to repair. Anyone that has a little of experience know that these thing aren't worth. Right noy, in my country, the slash maxx is 800 euros, i can get a hobao chassis and a very decent setup for that price... not a stupid cheap transmitter and plastic gear servo and non programmable esc lile traxxas do.
Yeah pricing isn't quite as far out here but it's still quite a bit more expensive than the competition. You can get a kagama for $200 less after coupons
Traxxas is all I used to have. Went to Arrma and I think they have the best truck of 23 with the Mojave 4s. Truly a beast of a build. If parts were easier to come by Team Corrally would be the best. Specifically the Kagama, Kronos, and Spark. I have others such as the Asuga and it is insane on 6s. I see Traxxas and Arrma fanboy creators but what your channel gives is the best overall look at the car its parts, upgrades, and bash ability. I look forward to seeing your channel grow! You know your stuff and stay in your lane. Much love and keep killing it!
Fully expected Traxxas to roll out a sledge refresh, but disappointed with the lack of updates, Traxxas didn’t address any of the shortcomings numerous TH-camrs pointed out, like a sturdier motor mount etc. 70 bucks for new colors, tires and gear ratio is 😅
The kraton 6s exb and the kagama are already superior beasts over the sledge, so one would think that traxxas would seriously update the sledge or release a new truggy in an effort to surpass the kraton or kagama. But nooo, instead they jack up the price and pretty much offer the same truck. The math is not mathing my friends SMH.
They should have did the gears in the rear and front like you said. I have hardened gears and still running the stock spur gear on mine lol. Honestly surprised it hasn’t broken yet cause my xmaxx that was the first to go
Yeah the X-Maxx is hard on Spurs because the spur gear and the motor are not directly connected to each other. There is plastic chassis between them so when that chassis flexes it smashes the gears into each other which breaks them if they're not strong enough. The sledge doesn't have that problem
They barely changed anything and charge an extra $70. So now we pay $800. Such an awesome looking truck but too bad they made it a POS. I put 2k in mine and still couldn't keep it together. Nothing but frustration. Ended up selling it. Get your head in the game Traxxas😤
That sucks. My experience with it was overall pretty good. Not the strongest truck in the world but decent. That being said at $200 more than the arguably superior kagama I would have a hard time recommending it to anyone
Other brands improve the design and keep the price in the ballpark, or even find ways to bring it down. Traxxas has completely lost me as a customer at this point. I can't even suggest the venerable 2WD Slash anymore, I feel bad sticking anyone with Traxxas. So now I steer folks to a TA, Losi, or Arrma (or Corally!). Sad to see a legend in the hobby continue to get further out of touch.
Yeah their prices do you seem pretty crazy. That being said I have a hard time believing they're not making money otherwise they'd probably do something different
The price of the original sledge in Canada was 1100$+tax. It's gonna be even more now lol. Did you know vitavon makes an entire complete rolling chassis!? Run any motor ESC tire and body you want. Might be heavy but it's completely adjustable and probably tough. They even made their own differentials with hardened spiral cut gears. The aftermarket support for traxxas is bewildering
@@DoRC lol true. I did see it Infact. I just didn't spend time drooling over it due to price and, I think that much aluminum actually would make things less durable. It is pretty cool to see though. Either someone at vitavon is a huge traxxas fan, or vitavon is somehow in bed with traxxas, like, it's a Chinese company, so maybe they have some role in designing things for traxxas in the first place. I'm not sure if anyone else is on the same page as me, but I'm kinda hoping arrma makes a 1/5 scale buggy and on-road car based off of their kratom and outcast platforms
I think they still do well as far as development and releases I just think that their pricing themselves out of the competition. Maybe they know what they're doing and people will still buy them but it feels kind of crazy to me
@@DoRC it's been a while, they did the XRT but that does share a lot of XMaxx DNA. I think they are in serious trouble myself, they don't want to partner with anyone else which is why their electronics are falling so far behind the competition. The main thing they have going for them is spares support and cost of spares but if people can't afford their vehicles in the first place 🤷. At least they supply can their customers with vehicles and spares unlike Horizon who I think have taken on too many brands
Traxxas is doing the same as Nerf. Come out with new things, with little to no new things added or better quality. While the competition is way ahead of what was the ‘biggest’ company. Im happy I moved to Arrma and Corally after my Rustler 4x4vxl. But i actually did enjoy the rustler.
@@turbodutch yep RedCat Racing as well although we don't have distribution for them yet here in the UK even though I keep posting about it when they post about new products on Facebook
@@DoRC they only continue their antics cause they over saturated all the hobby stores with Traxxas branding ….. so that newbies automatically pick their stuff up . Cause they see the part support .
@@DoRC they are good at part support but I also noticed they will release a new car and don’t have parts for that specific model for a while . They gatekeep on parts . They don’t want us converting our trucks until they make sales on their overpriced new trucks . I noticed that you can’t even buy certain SLASH MAXX parts .
Oh look a new video by Do RC about a "new" Sledge. Alright that sucks (car not vid). So many comments about the Team Corally Kagama...Hmmm never really looked at them too much....three hours and a road trip later there is a black and red Kagama on my bench. It looks pretty sweat!! Now to go run it soon!! Thanks a lot Do RC!!!!!!!!! LOL
Funny how stretched wide max is better 6s 1/8 truggy basher than sledge if you wanna go traxxas. No idea what they are smoking with the prices, everyone goes down becoming more affordable and they try to go up
@@DoRC While I agree, you gotta admit....the reason they are both pumping out cars, is because TC basically came out of nowhere with almost bulletproof buggies and trucks, that are very budget friendly in comparison to the competition. Most people up until the Asuga/Kagama had no idea who they were. I've stuck with them for about 3 years now, and it's been radical watching TC kick the bees nest.
So the things my wife's broke are not even in the conversation. The shock caps that randomly blow apart after hitting a curb stop. The steering blocks that can't even take a hit from a 55mph moving mailbox. I'm in.
No I don't think it will and half the people don't even want belted tires. Really the only thing you're getting for your extra $70 is a spur gear that to be honest with you you don't really need
Thanks for another great heads up video dude, Traxxas need to release a revised ERevo instead of trying to update an already good truck, Personally imo a waste of time & Bloody Expensive !!
@@DoRC Yeah I didn't bother doing the math on the difference between the belted and non belted tires to see if the difference adds up to a deal. It was just a quick estimate. Irrelevant for me now since I have updated almost everything on my Sledge. Just about to install the Hobbywing Max8 G2 combo thanks to your vids!!
Yeah it's nice to get a machined spur but that's not really one of the known weak points on the platform so not sure how much benefit most people will get from it.
Yeah it'll be interesting to see how they hold up going forward. I think people are going to become more and more wise to the fact that they can get better cars for less money from companies like TC.
I guess. I would imagine they might cost Traxxas $5 more set to make. Not sure that justifies raising the price of an already expensive product even more
@@DoRC basically just the hoss reborn in XHD. Same treatment to the rustler, but nothing on the slash. Very good sign that now is the worst possible time to buy a brand new slash 4x4 vxl for msrp
I would say look elsewhere. TC has the best budget bashers and offers rollers! Redcat also is making great vehicles. If you’re looking for a great budget basher I would look there first imo! FYI Traxxas and Arrma fan here. 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Considering Taxxas do plastic chassis so well, I am not sure why they bothered going down the metal chassis road. I wish they would just make a 4s or 6s sized XRT.
@@DoRC Yeah I saw your Maxx XRT vid, it is pretty cool. The only draw back I see, is that the wheelbase is a little too long, a low CG chassis that is the same lenght as the Maxx v2 chassis would be awesome. But until that exists (if it ever exists), it certainly seems like a good way to go. :)
Traxxas is so out of touch with its customers, most people feel the Sledge is too expensive as it is better parts keep the price maybe like what Arrma did. Interestingly enough looks like they still will come with the shock in the second hole for smooth tracks not the inner hole for bashing and rough terrain nobody reads the manual then complain on how it jumps. I love my Sledge but they need to allow esc tuning to bring the punch up some fix the real issues like the front of the body needs foam to keep it from smashing in they dont fix anything just add colored parts. They better wake up the Team Corally Syncro is not as fast but half the price and is a solid rc. Personally I dont land with a bunch of wheel speed or on power I still have all the factory gears intact.
Changing the shock hole does have a minor effect on handling but it's not going to be massive. And yeah I do feel like they are really starting to price themselves out of competition in a lot of respects. It's good for companies like TC though.
The issue with Traxxas is that all of their vehicles are 90% composite plastic. And extremely expensive. They rely on crazy speed and power/advertising for their pricing logic. At that point, I’d much rather buy a competitive ve 1/8th buggy kit and race, not bash, for the same price. Although, you’d still need to buy the components.
Damn near a grand for an rc car. Come on man! Traxxas was supposed to be a gateway into the rc world as like...a solid company to invest in from my perspective. I saw stars and flashing lights the first time I layed eyes on the nitro t Maxx. 10 years ago dad blew a grand on 2 for us to play with. 500 for a nitro car is where I'm going with this. 800 bucks and the thing is an e.v. The time spent creating a little nitro motor and the mechanics to get it to work is why they held a high price tag to it. It's like the e.vs today asking price similar to a combustion engine. The engineering and price points never make sense to me.
Well it is important to keep in mind that everything gets more expensive over time. They really haven't been many new nitro platforms developed other than for race applications and quite some time so anything nitro is priced as if it was designed 15 years ago because it was.
@@DoRC you're absolutely right man as consumers we need to stick together when it comes to the RC thing just like anything else I truly appreciate your honestly there's another gentleman I follow from California that does the same thing I'm a fan for all RC companies but I'm not a fan and I will not spend my money when I see tweaky weird things like this but I do appreciate when you guys do do this to teach us to buy what not to buy thanks for the great feedback
blew up 2 or 3 spur gears. But is was always due to the motor moving inside the chassis. once i put in the hot racing Pills inside the chassis motor mount so the motor couldn't slide... then it was all Good. Differential strip out before the non belted tires go out.... Diffs are junk in my opinion. No X-maxx Tough on that one.
Traxxas just keeps shooting themselves in the foot. I love my XMaXX and trx4 and I've owned many other Traxxas products over the years. The problem is, there are many RC in various categories that compete with Traxxas and for a much better price. Traxxas is so overpriced it's getting ridiculous. You'll have your fanboys that will buy no matter what but I just don't see others going for traxxas with the available options we have these days. I mean, I picked up the Vigilante and I'm pretty impressed. I have a few Team Corally 6s and they are awesome. I have a few arrma as well. Point being, Traxxas is going the wrong way with their pricing lol
Ouch!! More bling, more money.. not much else to talk about. While the Sludge has proven a decent truck, Arrma and Corally have literally left Traxxas in the dust.. so long Sludge!! ✌😂🤯
@@DoRC No doubt they're making money off it, gotta be, less substance and a higher price than their competitors.. it's a winning formula, at least till the hypnosis wears off anyways! LOL. I own Traxxas vehicle's, but I don't drink their kool-aid.😉
I had issues with all my gears and I'm very disappointed tho this is what I've come to expect from TRAXXAS giving you nothing you want.... they missed a opportunity to keep up with team corally at least they're way off the mark from what you get for a lesser price tag from ARRMA at 699.99 they really did what TRAXXAS should've
Just another name brand doing the minimum in attempt to justify high prices. Arrma and Traxxas are doing really well at making the Corally Kagama the absolute best 6s deal on the market.
Yeah I don't disagree with that and seems like more and more people are starting to become aware of what TC has to offer. The fact that pretty much all the big names have gotten them now and seem to like them definitely doesn't hurt
It’s almost as if the Big Wigs and Suits took over Traxxas and the Hobbyists aren’t even heard in their board meetings! Take Arrma for instance…. The Kraton 4s from last year had Chassis issues and people wanted a center diff for that price. What did they do? Fixed the issues and priced it cheaper than the original V2! Corally gave us great trucks at a fair price and there are other brands coming out that want a slice of the pie that Traxxas is Too Good to eat from! I’ve never owned a Traxxas and probably never will! I’m definitely never gonna buy one off the shelf!!
Yeah I mean they're good at making money so I assume they still are but I get the feeling that they're going to end up suffering in the long run. If the sledge was an ultra premium product then maybe I would feel better about its ultra premium price but honestly in my opinion at least the kagamas a better car and it's now $200 cheaper
I think for most people the stock chassis is okay but yeah I think a lot of people would have been happy with a new motor mount and maybe CNC machined ring and pinion gears
F that, on the price change. They can keep those trash tires and all the other “upgrades” too. Are they paying attention to the market? The new K6 EXB, they actually did make drivetrain upgrades and electronics changes. Traxxas updates always suck.
@@DoRC im not the biggest Traxxas fan out there, but I am hopping for a hot summer from Traxxas and Arrma. I really really like that new Redcat Racing Vigilante, and I am hoping that it heats up the competition a bit. Traxxas has been resting in its laurels for too long, and Arrma and Losi are definitely stale. Hopefully with the success of the Vigilante, Redcat keeps dropping some different bashers to compete with the other brands.
They're a little more expensive than non-belted tires but I'll buy a whole lot and you have to keep in mind that the people who make them don't pay nearly as much. I'd imagine it costs Traxxas 5 maybe 10 extra dollars to make those sledgehammers belted versus non-belted per set
Don’t buy a stock sledge if you want one build it from the ground up using m2c and Jenny’s rc, stock version is a waste of time and money. However a built sledge is a ton of fun and not super expensive if you just built it using aftermarket parts.
I'm not sure that's going to be the best way to do it. I've never priced a sledge but I have priced out ground up builds on several other vehicles and it's almost always cheaper to buy the RTR and then sell off the parts you're going to be upgrading.
Sorry but the price hike was a dumb move. They’d have done better leaving the stupid bling colors off and sticking with current tires. Yeah their prices are not the best. I am a Traxxas fan boy believe me, but this video and all the highest category pricing helped me to decide to get my next basher I’m looking for from Arrma.
@@DoRC well unfortunately my budget means I’m in the 3s basher range so it really was coming down to the Arrma BLX lineup. Less the Senton. Don’t need anymore SCT’s. I’ll check Corally out tho for their comparable 3s rigs. Probably wouldn’t even use a 3s that much anyways. Smaller area and batts ain’t cheap. Lol I know I know… I say that now… first bash on 3s and it’s probably over for the pocketbook
@@DoRC you just changed my trajectory man! So car to car vs the Typhon the Syncro wins out because of 4s capability. Whereas I have to fork over another $70 to get the 4s BLX from Arrma. And Traxxas, while I’m a fanboy… their $ just takes them outta the running. Otherwise I’d get a Rustler 4x4 Ultimate (outta price range). Or even just the VXL I think which is, about $30 more. But again, only 3s. Then ask myself… do I really want to spend the cash on 4s batts? Lol decisions decisions
4S batteries really aren't that much more expensive and you'd get a lot more car with the syncro. Hobby recreation products is the main TC distributor in the US and they always have coupon codes and don't charge shipping or tax so you can get it for basically the same price as the 3S Typhon. The only real limitations are lack of upgrade parts and fewer places you can buy replacement parts though there are usually a few places online you can always get the parts you need.
Did traxxas drop the already WAY too high $699 price tag on the old version, most likely no. And I’ll bet this new sledge has an all new higher price tag. Man I love my $549 6s Arrma outcast. 😂 I have RC cars from all companies. Even lots of older traxxas nitro vehicles and a few of their electrics. But the way your going traxxas, just reinventing cars you already have, and with higher price tags, still not interested traxxas. Give us more affordable products, not more expensive versions of current and older models!
Yeah that seems to be the general consensus. I'm sure plenty of people will buy it at this price but it seems like what they did was just create an excuse to increase the price which kind of makes it seem like they think we are fools but who knows maybe we are :-)
@DoRC oof. And im new to rc. But i know for powertools and also watching reviewers for those, sintered metal gears are a cost cutting measure and for stock applications they might work for a long time. But they dont have much performance headroom. So at certain price points you'll need to reflect on that. I didn't even know that about the Kagama! No wonder i was a fan from the start. 🙌
I guess. If you want belted tires it might feel like it's a decent deal but keep in mind that those belted tires probably cost Traxxas 5 extra dollars.
@@DoRC yeah I guess you’re right, although I do see a lot of traxxas hate I am totally blown away by my XRT unlimited I’m actually building a track for large scale trucks on my back property👍🏽👍🏽
every other rc brand can do the same, fixing a known issue by making a new revision or a V2 etc, but at the same price, or even sell or give an update kit like corally as done with the 2021 model. I'm done with traxxas they are out of touch when they try to compete with other brand.
Yeah honestly I don't even really feel like they fixed anything here. The spur gear is far from the weakest point on this truck and half the people aren't even going to want belted tires.
I agree not at all. I'm not really sure these were ever designed to be upgrades. I think it's more a the fact that they wanted to increase the price and put a little lipstick on it to try to justify it
Money talks so if the price hike keeps people away then they will have to make a change. Everyone can bash on Traxxas and the pricing but in the end they are selling so someone is buying them. Just not me.
Another thing, Traxxas 6s vxl does not seem to be a true 6s esc. It feels like it is overpowered and strained when running 6s, hence all the surging and lack of throttle control, not to mention the overhearing. Put a 4s in and it drives much smoother hence why I feel this is not a true 6 esc. None of these issues with the Spektrum 6s systems nor Team Corally's 6s systems which are pretty much s MAX 6 esc I think. They really need much more work on their 6s esc. It is the worst on the market and it kills what could be decent vechiles in the Sledge and Maxx/Slash. The motor mount in the Sledge is also brutal. You literally cant really change the pinion gear size in it. Their 4s system in the Maxx I feel is very good but their 3s system is the same as the 6s system. It is overpowered on 3s however on 2s, it is much smoother. Go drive an HPI WR8 and then go drive a Ranger Raptor R and you will see a true 3s in the WR8 and 2s trying to be a 3s in the Ranger Raptor R or rheir comparable Fiesta.
To some degree I agree with this. The VXL 6s always does seem like it's being pushed really hard. The VXL3S definitely struggles on 3S especially without a fan.
BOLD NEW COLORS! Typical "new" truck from Traxxas. $70 price increase for BOLD NEW COLORS?? Are they mad? This really makes the 6s Arrma lineup look that much better. Even the Bigrock with its gorgeous body and the EXB Kraton are 'only" $699. It's like Traxxas knows there are a group of hard-core fan boy's who'll buy anything they offer. I don't get it and it shouldn't bother me but as long as people keep buying this crap they won't build anything really new and great and that does affect me. Thank goodness for Arrma, Redcat, Rllarlo, and even MJX or I'd be forced to have piles of cash everywhere.
Honestly, all of these recent 'updated' releases coming from Traxxas are "disappointing". Seems to me, Traxxas is becoming the new Apple. How so? Just like Apple, Traxxas is putting minimal effort into these (so-called) 'upgraded' vehicles. They maintain their exceptional (but still somewhat questionable) customer service (ever tried calling them for specs? Good luck in getting answers), while adding a little "bling", and charging more. In truth, their internal goal is nothing more than increasing profits. If they can 'force' upgrades on buyers, they might not be making as much as if they sold those same upgrades separately...but, by "selling" them to people who might not have ever intended on getting those upgrades, they end up making more $$$ in the long run. In the $70 price increase, they're including what probably amounts to $10 (their cost) in 'upgrade' parts, thus increasing their profit by $60 per unit sold. For every 10 people who buy the 'new' vehicles, let's say only 4 of them would have purchased the upgrades separately. Although Traxxas might be losing 10% per buyer on those 4 people, they will be gaining 40% per buyer on the other 6. These percentages aren't factual...just my rough guess-timate...but, it should help to better understand what Traxxas is actually doing. In short, Traxxas' "morals" are becoming more & more 'questionable', starting with last year's 3rd-party upgrade parts matter, followed by a few "Ultimate" RTR releases, and now several recent 'new'/'upgraded' releases. In all honesty, I can completely understand why more & more people are saying they won't buy anymore Traxxas RCs. I'm not saying I am among that group...but, the percentage probability of me joining that group increases. In terms of "value for money spent", Arrma appears to be offering a 'better' value, and Rlaarlo is offering a "way better" value.
I agree with most of this though I did want to mention that the third party upgrade thing allegedly was a mistake. Traxxas hired a different company to go after some large Chinese counterfeiters and they got a little overzealous. According to the people that were involved in it it was resolved satisfactorily.
@@DoRC I know you mentioned that once before, and I did try researching the information, but came up empty-handed. Honestly, it doesn't entirely make sense. You say they were hired to go after Chinese companies, yet they also went after American companies, and at least one European company that I am aware of. I'm not saying that the information is incorrect, as it is entirely possible. But, if that's the case, then why didn't Traxxas publicly mention that aspect of it?
In today's market it might be a little bit more than that but I don't see any reason why this should be more expensive than the competition. And it's a lot more expensive than the competition now.
Spur gear is junk ring and onion is junk chassis is junk I had to put alot of money into my sledge to actually bash it hard. My kraton on the other hand is still mostly stock and loving it.
![ถ้าพี่วุ้นท้อง แป้งจะท้องไปด้วยกัน !!!! [ดูคลิปเต็มหน้าช่อง] #Short | PANG ORNHIRA](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FeyEnVMwitA/mqdefault.jpg)
What!? Not even a new motor mount!???
This company is killing me.
Kraton so much of a better value
Well it hasn't officially been released yet so it's possible there's something more but this looked pretty comprehensive. It's kind of in line with what Traxxas has been doing lately too.
With this price increase the Sledge is now over $200 more expensive than the Kagama once you factor in the perpetual coupons you can get on it.
Yup, I agree, just one word for Traxxas, KAGAMA!
For sure. I mean after the coupons you can always get on the Kagama it's going to be over $200 less and in my opinion it's a better car
Kagama is not as durable I’ll tell you that much and Kagama has to many wires very long
@@user-ii4no1cv7r what issues did you have with your Kagama? The only wire that's long is the one that goes from the ESC to the receiver box. That's a little bit of an inconvenience but it's not too bad.
Kagama and Kraton 6s EXB whoop that Traxxa$$ in every department.
Yeah that's kind of hard to argue with. The sledge is a good truck but I don't really see where it has much advantage
@@DoRChow about the traxxas Xrt？
@@brucelin5396xrt is nice but over priced by about $400. Not worth a thousand dollars.
Just makes the EXB Kraton even more dominant lmao that price is hilarious
Don't forget about the TC Kagama. It's a heck of a truck!
@@DoRC next on my list!!
@@StevenYDG69 bro the kagama is a beast . And I own enough trucks and spent enough on upgrades to tell u .
Listen to do rc the kagama is a beast ! Only down side is the parts but the overall truck experience is like no other it’s like an outcast mixed with Kraton and fast af
@@TMIVRC Yeah and parts are only really a downside if you don't like buying them online. If you don't mind buying them online it's really not a big deal.
I hear the stock chassis is quite bendy. They should’ve gone with 7075 for that price.
At least in my experience it's not too bad. For normal bashing it holds up just fine. That being said I think there are definitely some things they could have done to make people happy with the increased price. At least to me this just feels like an excuse
lol my asuga chassis twisted and both shock towers are bent I hammered back a bit the car is a beautiful long jumper
Same old Traxxas. Very grateful there's no local Traxxas dealers near me and I've avoided them since the release of the trx4m. Only way I'll own Traxxas is if someone gives me one for free. This "upgrade " and price hike just solidified my opinion on the company.
Yeah this one's a tough thing to understand. It's like they think they can put themselves in a different price bracket as the competition and still compete. Who knows maybe they can. They are good at making money it just doesn't make much sense to me
@DoRC loyal fan base and those who have invested in the traxxas ecosystem and don't want to buy new batteries and chargers etc. The entire industry need to be less proprietary and more universal like battery connection should be more USB-C and just works with all chargers.
Sad all their vehicles are made in Taiwan but like traxxas told me their design in the United States so what I want American made products.
@uncreate10 unfortunately it's very very difficult to mass produce something like that in the US without it being ridiculously expensive and since all of the competition is made overseas they wouldn't be able to compete. Of course with the way their prices are going I'm not really sure it matters.
A Traxxas Sledge v1 was my first "ante up purchase". I got the Traxxas charger bundle etc. My first run I took it to a huge dirt parking lot used for rodeos. A rear dog bone just flew out, both Traxxas battery packs were swollen near the bottom and two tires came unglued. I warrantied the batteries and sold everything for a loss on FB... I almost got out of the hobby completely after that purchase. I'm not saying Traxxas makes the worst RC's; but newbies beware, their advertising will have you believing everything they make is #1 in the industry out of the box and that is just not true. If I sound bitter... Well, I still am haha.
Well Traxxas batteries aren't the best, all companies tend to have problems with not gluing their tires except for TC for some reason and the dog bone thing was a defect out of the factory. They forgot to put o-rings in where they were supposed to be. That was corrected pretty quickly too. Overall the sledge is a decent platform it's just hard to recommend when the Kagama is $200 cheaper and better
Kagama and Kraton exb all the way ! You haven’t led us astray thank you for the update though really hoping for more corally releases really want them
To touch the short course market😅
I agree. If this thing was priced competitively then it would be a competitive product but it's not so it isn't
I was thinking “ok they’re trying to justify the $699 price” and then you mentioned a price increase. Traxxas must never want me to buy one of these. At this point I would expect a 7.4v BEC and esc to have handle it, an actually good motor fan, 4mm thick 7075 chassis and machined ring and pinion on top of everything listed here
At the very least they could have added the machine ring and pinion gears that they already have.
@@DoRC for me I keep coming back to the machete 6s. 4mm 7075 chassis and competent hobbywing brushless system for $499? And it’s bigger in all dimensions than basically any other 6s truck (besides height which is largely irrelevant). Only reason I don’t have one is because I dont really have a big RC itch to scratch. Very much eyeing the k4 size. Erevo seems to be all the 6s I really need
@@dylanwhite6539 Agree. For me, I cannot get past the 6s vxl esc. It is awful. The worst esc on the market in the most expensive 1/8th scale vechile on the market. I bought the Maxx/Slash and run it mainly on 4s because the throttle control is non-existent. I don't necessarily need sensored brushless level of control but I need much more than what this offers. If you barely touch the throttle and it surges forward and it can't keep a steady slow pace with light throttle inputs, then that is the sign of a bad esc. One that is either being overly taxed or is severely lacking some of the latest esc programming technology or perhaps lacks it all together. It is extremely frustrating because I like the fact that Traxxas over builds it's vechiles and they do make some nice ones for both their 3s and 6s lineups. The esc for both lineups rules me out as a potential buyer of either lineup with the exception of the Maxx Slash. The Maxx offers a good driving experience. I do not understand why they can't duplicate that in the 3s and 6s lineups. Until they fix these esc's, they can continue to expect to lose sales to their competition.
You can make the best built vechile in the world, with all the bells and whistles but if it has a bad esc, the vechile is worth nothing. Until they either fix or replace this current 6s vxl esc, so that it offers the same level of sophistication that competitors offer, specifically centered on better throttle control at slower speeds, I will not buy anything that Traxxas makes in either 3s or 6s. I'm sorry, this esc is maddening. I should nor have to run a 4s battery on what is advertised as a 6s system in order to get the vechile to drive like it should. Albeit, significantly slower. I might as well save the $70 to $300 and get another 6s vechile that does drive properly and as advertised. AS a proper 6s vechile should drive.
@XWXW-lk4jf I've never really had much trouble with their ESCs but I'm also not terribly sensitive to those sorts of things.
I higly suggest to anyone that is getting into the hobby, get a HBX rc car, a rlaarlo omni terminator or the new HPI quantum2 flux. Those are cheap decent monster trucks/buggy truggy worth spending money in. Durable, nice, often brushless and easy/cheap to repair. Anyone that has a little of experience know that these thing aren't worth. Right noy, in my country, the slash maxx is 800 euros, i can get a hobao chassis and a very decent setup for that price... not a stupid cheap transmitter and plastic gear servo and non programmable esc lile traxxas do.
Yeah pricing isn't quite as far out here but it's still quite a bit more expensive than the competition. You can get a kagama for $200 less after coupons
Traxxas is all I used to have. Went to Arrma and I think they have the best truck of 23 with the Mojave 4s. Truly a beast of a build. If parts were easier to come by Team Corrally would be the best. Specifically the Kagama, Kronos, and Spark. I have others such as the Asuga and it is insane on 6s. I see Traxxas and Arrma fanboy creators but what your channel gives is the best overall look at the car its parts, upgrades, and bash ability. I look forward to seeing your channel grow! You know your stuff and stay in your lane. Much love and keep killing it!
Thanks man Glad you enjoy!
Fully expected Traxxas to roll out a sledge refresh, but disappointed with the lack of updates, Traxxas didn’t address any of the shortcomings numerous TH-camrs pointed out, like a sturdier motor mount etc. 70 bucks for new colors, tires and gear ratio is 😅
Yeah I don't think I would consider this to be a true refresh. This is more of a price hike with some lipstick
Team Arrma EXB Fan boy here. Love the TRX4, Xmaxx, and Rally but a Kraton would eat this for lunch every day of the week!
I think the Kagama will too
@@DoRCI was gonna say the same Kenny
The kraton 6s exb and the kagama are already superior beasts over the sledge, so one would think that traxxas would seriously update the sledge or release a new truggy in an effort to surpass the kraton or kagama. But nooo, instead they jack up the price and pretty much offer the same truck. The math is not mathing my friends SMH.
I think if they were all priced the same The Sledge would be in the running but at $200 more yeah it's definitely doing its own thing.
They should have did the gears in the rear and front like you said. I have hardened gears and still running the stock spur gear on mine lol. Honestly surprised it hasn’t broken yet cause my xmaxx that was the first to go
Yeah the X-Maxx is hard on Spurs because the spur gear and the motor are not directly connected to each other. There is plastic chassis between them so when that chassis flexes it smashes the gears into each other which breaks them if they're not strong enough. The sledge doesn't have that problem
They barely changed anything and charge an extra $70. So now we pay $800. Such an awesome looking truck but too bad they made it a POS. I put 2k in mine and
still couldn't keep it together. Nothing but frustration. Ended up selling it. Get your head in the game Traxxas😤
That sucks. My experience with it was overall pretty good. Not the strongest truck in the world but decent. That being said at $200 more than the arguably superior kagama I would have a hard time recommending it to anyone
@@DoRC yeah I’ve seen lots of positivity on the kagama
If you're gonna spend 700.00 just get the kraton EXB 6S Big Rock or Corally Kagama, my god dont be stupid lol.
$770 now...
Kagama for the win
Agreed
Other brands improve the design and keep the price in the ballpark, or even find ways to bring it down.
Traxxas has completely lost me as a customer at this point. I can't even suggest the venerable 2WD Slash anymore, I feel bad sticking anyone with Traxxas. So now I steer folks to a TA, Losi, or Arrma (or Corally!). Sad to see a legend in the hobby continue to get further out of touch.
Yeah their prices do you seem pretty crazy. That being said I have a hard time believing they're not making money otherwise they'd probably do something different
Almost $800 for an 1/8 scale truggy?! That's ridiculous 😂
Given the price of the competition it's hard for me not to agree
The price of the original sledge in Canada was 1100$+tax. It's gonna be even more now lol. Did you know vitavon makes an entire complete rolling chassis!? Run any motor ESC tire and body you want. Might be heavy but it's completely adjustable and probably tough. They even made their own differentials with hardened spiral cut gears. The aftermarket support for traxxas is bewildering
@@ib4217 Yeah have you seen the complete X-Max rolling chassis from them too? It's like $5,000.
@@DoRC lol true. I did see it Infact. I just didn't spend time drooling over it due to price and, I think that much aluminum actually would make things less durable. It is pretty cool to see though. Either someone at vitavon is a huge traxxas fan, or vitavon is somehow in bed with traxxas, like, it's a Chinese company, so maybe they have some role in designing things for traxxas in the first place. I'm not sure if anyone else is on the same page as me, but I'm kinda hoping arrma makes a 1/5 scale buggy and on-road car based off of their kratom and outcast platforms
@@ib4217me too! Plus a 8s bigget Mojave!
It’s seriously the same damn thing, ohh Traxxas what are you doing. My next RC is definitely the Kagama.
Do it! I don't think you'll be disappointed.
This just makes the arrma exb 6s look like a better deal😂😂 Kagama too.
Especially the Kagama!
Yeah guess so but 100 dollars is nothing to sniff at. And you get arrma’s gears and metal bulkheads and the good electronics. Vs the sledge
Still take a V2 Kraton EBS over anything Traxxas.
For the price I'd have to agree
It kinda feels like Traxxas have just given up on being innovative but still expect people to pay more and more for their newer vehicles
I think they still do well as far as development and releases I just think that their pricing themselves out of the competition. Maybe they know what they're doing and people will still buy them but it feels kind of crazy to me
@@DoRC it's been a while, they did the XRT but that does share a lot of XMaxx DNA. I think they are in serious trouble myself, they don't want to partner with anyone else which is why their electronics are falling so far behind the competition. The main thing they have going for them is spares support and cost of spares but if people can't afford their vehicles in the first place 🤷. At least they supply can their customers with vehicles and spares unlike Horizon who I think have taken on too many brands
Traxxas is doing the same as Nerf. Come out with new things, with little to no new things added or better quality. While the competition is way ahead of what was the ‘biggest’ company.
Im happy I moved to Arrma and Corally after my Rustler 4x4vxl.
But i actually did enjoy the rustler.
@@turbodutch yep RedCat Racing as well although we don't have distribution for them yet here in the UK even though I keep posting about it when they post about new products on Facebook
@turbodutch I think Traxxas makes a decent product I'm just not sure what their plan is with their pricing
so they gonna change body and charge more, they wont even fix the previous problems that the V1 had!! that's insane
They didn't even change the body they just fiddled with the paint a little.
its the most boring release in the rc world haha
@@DoRC man I have no words😂 I'm glad we have arrma axial redcat tc and those other brands that actually push the hobby forward
Great breakdown!!! Thanks for posting!!!
You're welcome thanks for watching :-)
My redcat machete 6s fits the bill well... albeit with a longer chassis.
Yeah I don't think it's quite as strong as other 6s truggies but it definitely is decent value for money
Traxxas won’t change their gimmicks cause people continue to support them .
Yeah I guess as long as they can keep making money they will keep doing it.
@@DoRC they only continue their antics cause they over saturated all the hobby stores with Traxxas branding ….. so that newbies automatically pick their stuff up . Cause they see the part support .
@@Shellzwick Yeah and local parts support is definitely a good thing to have as is the Traxxas service which is really good.
@@DoRC they are good at part support but I also noticed they will release a new car and don’t have parts for that specific model for a while . They gatekeep on parts . They don’t want us converting our trucks until they make sales on their overpriced new trucks . I noticed that you can’t even buy certain SLASH MAXX parts .
Oof that price !!!
Yeah it's pretty steep
Oh look a new video by Do RC about a "new" Sledge. Alright that sucks (car not vid). So many comments about the Team Corally Kagama...Hmmm never really looked at them too much....three hours and a road trip later there is a black and red Kagama on my bench. It looks pretty sweat!! Now to go run it soon!! Thanks a lot Do RC!!!!!!!!! LOL
Nice! I Don't think you'll be disappointed. They're pretty awesome.
Thanks for the video. The 13 t spur gear on my Sledge has been the only thing to break. It needs a hardened one.
Do you mean the pinion? Because that actually already is machined hardened steel from the factory
Funny how stretched wide max is better 6s 1/8 truggy basher than sledge if you wanna go traxxas.
No idea what they are smoking with the prices, everyone goes down becoming more affordable and they try to go up
Yes it is :-) The Maxxrt is awesome and you can put one together for less money than this.
They can keep it for that price. I had no problem with the current one.
Yeah it's definitely a lot of money
Team Corally has Arrma and Traxxas scrambling lolol
Arrma Is priced pretty reasonably I think for what you get but yeah Traxxas is way out there now
@@DoRC While I agree, you gotta admit....the reason they are both pumping out cars, is because TC basically came out of nowhere with almost bulletproof buggies and trucks, that are very budget friendly in comparison to the competition. Most people up until the Asuga/Kagama had no idea who they were. I've stuck with them for about 3 years now, and it's been radical watching TC kick the bees nest.
So the things my wife's broke are not even in the conversation. The shock caps that randomly blow apart after hitting a curb stop. The steering blocks that can't even take a hit from a 55mph moving mailbox. I'm in.
It's a pretty tough truck it's just overpriced given the competition
@@DoRC honestly, I was never impressed. My wife liked the way it looked and if you didn't look at the truck funny or use it, it doesn't break.
@AllInRc1971 I was actually pretty happy with mine even in stock form. Not the strongest out there but decent
Belted is not gonna help though. Should changed the gears and motor mount
No I don't think it will and half the people don't even want belted tires. Really the only thing you're getting for your extra $70 is a spur gear that to be honest with you you don't really need
Nice looking rig 👍are you still getting a redcat vigilante?
Had a problem with the order and ended up canceling it. At this point I probably won't get one anytime soon unfortunately.
@@DoRC it's all good 👍 BTW I really appreciate all the videos. you do a great job keep up the great work 💯🤙
@mikecollins6378 thanks Glad you enjoy!
Not falling into that Traxxas trap , 😞 have a sledge completely fixed. After Traxxas got done with it , I'm good with what I got
Yeah I wouldn't worry about it. Nothing really new here
Thanks for another great heads up video dude, Traxxas need to release a revised ERevo instead of trying to update an already good truck, Personally imo a waste of time & Bloody Expensive !!
Unfortunately the E-Revo is discontinued I'm pretty sure.
Good luck Traxxas.
Yeah they seem to keep being able to make money so I guess they know what they're doing
Ughhh. Why is that gear on the bottom of the chassis exposed like that? Seems like it'd eat gravel and grass.
To keep stones etc from getting between the chassis and the gear and binding it up.
That's actually pretty common and is done to prevent debris from getting caught between the gear and the chassis
So you get a bit of a deal on belted tires.
Yeah if you're into that kind of thing and if you ignore the fact that Traxxas isn't selling you the non-builted tires at the same time :-)
@@DoRC Yeah I didn't bother doing the math on the difference between the belted and non belted tires to see if the difference adds up to a deal. It was just a quick estimate. Irrelevant for me now since I have updated almost everything on my Sledge. Just about to install the Hobbywing Max8 G2 combo thanks to your vids!!
@@MagnifiedGiant Nice let me know how it goes!
Dang. You get lots of comments for Traxxas video. Good luck answering all those
I think I'm keeping up with them so far!
Machined gears are a huge plus, and should never be underestimated imo.
Yeah it's nice to get a machined spur but that's not really one of the known weak points on the platform so not sure how much benefit most people will get from it.
"Check please" - we'll be dining at Kagama from now on.
Pretty much. I feel like this price hike was definitely a gift to TC
Where did you get this info, google search turned up threads from last year about a v2 sledge?
Lots of different places. This one in particular was one specific hobby shop that posted it early.
@@DoRC good to know!
It's almost comical how big the Traxxas ego is now. Definitely a company run by suits and ties.
Yeah it'll be interesting to see how they hold up going forward. I think people are going to become more and more wise to the fact that they can get better cars for less money from companies like TC.
Were dod you get the pics ?
A hobby shop posted them on Facebook.
Yeah I broke my center spur gear but cause a rock got into it! The price difference is probably the tires belted tires cost a lot more.
I guess. I would imagine they might cost Traxxas $5 more set to make. Not sure that justifies raising the price of an already expensive product even more
@@DoRC nailed it! lol🤣
IPhone of rc's....
Arrma is the way!!!
Yeah in this case they do seem to be heading that way though Apple does make a lot of money
When you think the release will be?
I don't know. The hobby shop that had it listed so they were taking pre-orders so I suspect it'll be pretty soon
@DoRC been eyeing the website.. really just want a new body 😆
@damonbridgmon7199 Yeah I'm not really sure. I am kind of surprised it hasn't happened yet.
@@DoRC just waiting lol
Surprised you didn’t cover the new stampede 4x4 vxl.
Me too. I didn't realize they had come out.
@@DoRC basically just the hoss reborn in XHD. Same treatment to the rustler, but nothing on the slash. Very good sign that now is the worst possible time to buy a brand new slash 4x4 vxl for msrp
@dylanwhite6539 for sure. I'll check it out.
I would say look elsewhere.
TC has the best budget bashers and offers rollers! Redcat also is making great vehicles. If you’re looking for a great budget basher I would look there first imo! FYI Traxxas and Arrma fan here.
🤘🏼🤘🏼
I agree. Between this and the Kagama it's kind of a no-brainer
So they didn't fix the stupid motor mount problem? Where the mount meets the chassis? That bent if you looked at it wrong 😂 what is Traxxas doing 😂
Yeah it doesn't seem like this was really an actual version update this was more of a little bit of lipstick to justify the price increase.
Has this been released??
Not officially no.
Interesting…. Well Traxxas did release an updated Rustler and Stampede aka Hoss with no price increase…..
Considering Taxxas do plastic chassis so well, I am not sure why they bothered going down the metal chassis road. I wish they would just make a 4s or 6s sized XRT.
I think it was just to be direct competition with the 6s armas. Did you see my Max RT video? It basically is what you're wanting.
@@DoRC Yeah I saw your Maxx XRT vid, it is pretty cool. The only draw back I see, is that the wheelbase is a little too long, a low CG chassis that is the same lenght as the Maxx v2 chassis would be awesome. But until that exists (if it ever exists), it certainly seems like a good way to go. :)
@@whome5810 It's definitely worth trying
Traxxas is so out of touch with its customers, most people feel the Sledge is too expensive as it is better parts keep the price maybe like what Arrma did. Interestingly enough looks like they still will come with the shock in the second hole for smooth tracks not the inner hole for bashing and rough terrain nobody reads the manual then complain on how it jumps. I love my Sledge but they need to allow esc tuning to bring the punch up some fix the real issues like the front of the body needs foam to keep it from smashing in they dont fix anything just add colored parts. They better wake up the Team Corally Syncro is not as fast but half the price and is a solid rc. Personally I dont land with a bunch of wheel speed or on power I still have all the factory gears intact.
Changing the shock hole does have a minor effect on handling but it's not going to be massive. And yeah I do feel like they are really starting to price themselves out of competition in a lot of respects. It's good for companies like TC though.
The issue with Traxxas is that all of their vehicles are 90% composite plastic. And extremely expensive. They rely on crazy speed and power/advertising for their pricing logic. At that point, I’d much rather buy a competitive ve 1/8th buggy kit and race, not bash, for the same price. Although, you’d still need to buy the components.
I don't think plastic is inherently a problem. Modern plastics are very strong.
Damn near a grand for an rc car. Come on man! Traxxas was supposed to be a gateway into the rc world as like...a solid company to invest in from my perspective. I saw stars and flashing lights the first time I layed eyes on the nitro t Maxx. 10 years ago dad blew a grand on 2 for us to play with. 500 for a nitro car is where I'm going with this. 800 bucks and the thing is an e.v.
The time spent creating a little nitro motor and the mechanics to get it to work is why they held a high price tag to it.
It's like the e.vs today asking price similar to a combustion engine.
The engineering and price points never make sense to me.
Well it is important to keep in mind that everything gets more expensive over time. They really haven't been many new nitro platforms developed other than for race applications and quite some time so anything nitro is priced as if it was designed 15 years ago because it was.
Word for Traxxas Arrma,losi ,team corallly,Team Associated ,Redcat were people will spend their hard earned money, Traxxas is money 🤑 hungry 2024😢
Maybe though to be honest if Traxxas wasn't making money doing what they're doing they'd probably start doing something differently
@@DoRC you're absolutely right man as consumers we need to stick together when it comes to the RC thing just like anything else I truly appreciate your honestly there's another gentleman I follow from California that does the same thing I'm a fan for all RC companies but I'm not a fan and I will not spend my money when I see tweaky weird things like this but I do appreciate when you guys do do this to teach us to buy what not to buy thanks for the great feedback
blew up 2 or 3 spur gears. But is was always due to the motor moving inside the chassis. once i put in the hot racing Pills
inside the chassis motor mount so the motor couldn't slide... then it was all Good. Differential strip out before the non belted tires go out.... Diffs are junk in my opinion. No X-maxx Tough on that one.
Yeah those are the two most common complaints seemingly and it doesn't look like they addressed either one of them
Sledge ultimate?
I'm sure they'll come out with one at some point.
Traxxas just keeps shooting themselves in the foot. I love my XMaXX and trx4 and I've owned many other Traxxas products over the years. The problem is, there are many RC in various categories that compete with Traxxas and for a much better price. Traxxas is so overpriced it's getting ridiculous. You'll have your fanboys that will buy no matter what but I just don't see others going for traxxas with the available options we have these days. I mean, I picked up the Vigilante and I'm pretty impressed. I have a few Team Corally 6s and they are awesome. I have a few arrma as well. Point being, Traxxas is going the wrong way with their pricing lol
Yeah you would think they were but they just keep making money. They must be doing something correctly I guess
Ouch!! More bling, more money.. not much else to talk about. While the Sludge has proven a decent truck, Arrma and Corally have literally left Traxxas in the dust.. so long Sludge!! ✌😂🤯
Well maybe but Traxxas is good at making money and if they weren't making money on it they probably do something different.
@@DoRC No doubt they're making money off it, gotta be, less substance and a higher price than their competitors.. it's a winning formula, at least till the hypnosis wears off anyways! LOL. I own Traxxas vehicle's, but I don't drink their kool-aid.😉
Once again Traxxas has shown that it doesn't care about the consumers only the profit's
Well they are in business to make money but they do seem to be pricing themselves out of the competition
I had issues with all my gears and I'm very disappointed tho this is what I've come to expect from TRAXXAS giving you nothing you want.... they missed a opportunity to keep up with team corally at least they're way off the mark from what you get for a lesser price tag from ARRMA at 699.99 they really did what TRAXXAS should've
Yeah I think there are definitely better deals out there
This is not smart, they overcharge for that, but lower the price 30 bucks for a 3s vxl, like the new rustler and stampede
Yeah it does seem kind of odd how much they are trying to charge for it. They are good at making money though so maybe they know what they're doing
Just another name brand doing the minimum in attempt to justify high prices.
Arrma and Traxxas are doing really well at making the Corally Kagama the absolute best 6s deal on the market.
Yeah I don't disagree with that and seems like more and more people are starting to become aware of what TC has to offer. The fact that pretty much all the big names have gotten them now and seem to like them definitely doesn't hurt
Looks likes this release was just put out to get more attention for the new Stampede and Rustler
Maybe though this isn't technically released yet
It’s almost as if the Big Wigs and Suits took over Traxxas and the Hobbyists aren’t even heard in their board meetings! Take Arrma for instance…. The Kraton 4s from last year had Chassis issues and people wanted a center diff for that price. What did they do? Fixed the issues and priced it cheaper than the original V2! Corally gave us great trucks at a fair price and there are other brands coming out that want a slice of the pie that Traxxas is Too Good to eat from! I’ve never owned a Traxxas and probably never will! I’m definitely never gonna buy one off the shelf!!
Yeah I mean they're good at making money so I assume they still are but I get the feeling that they're going to end up suffering in the long run. If the sledge was an ultra premium product then maybe I would feel better about its ultra premium price but honestly in my opinion at least the kagamas a better car and it's now $200 cheaper
Needs a thicker 7075 chassis and a new motor/diff mount. That would be an improvement. This is not making anyone want to buy it
I think for most people the stock chassis is okay but yeah I think a lot of people would have been happy with a new motor mount and maybe CNC machined ring and pinion gears
Traxxas prices are insannnnnne
Yeah they're definitely pretty proud of their stuff
F that, on the price change. They can keep those trash tires and all the other “upgrades” too. Are they paying attention to the market? The new K6 EXB, they actually did make drivetrain upgrades and electronics changes. Traxxas updates always suck.
Yeah not a huge fan of this one at least
@@DoRC im not the biggest Traxxas fan out there, but I am hopping for a hot summer from Traxxas and Arrma. I really really like that new Redcat Racing Vigilante, and I am hoping that it heats up the competition a bit. Traxxas has been resting in its laurels for too long, and Arrma and Losi are definitely stale. Hopefully with the success of the Vigilante, Redcat keeps dropping some different bashers to compete with the other brands.
I don’t know almost all belted tires are expensive
They're a little more expensive than non-belted tires but I'll buy a whole lot and you have to keep in mind that the people who make them don't pay nearly as much. I'd imagine it costs Traxxas 5 maybe 10 extra dollars to make those sledgehammers belted versus non-belted per set
Don’t buy a stock sledge if you want one build it from the ground up using m2c and Jenny’s rc, stock version is a waste of time and money. However a built sledge is a ton of fun and not super expensive if you just built it using aftermarket parts.
I'm not sure that's going to be the best way to do it. I've never priced a sledge but I have priced out ground up builds on several other vehicles and it's almost always cheaper to buy the RTR and then sell off the parts you're going to be upgrading.
They need to fix the crap ESC, anyone else tired of the lights of death?
I'm not sure these fail anymore often than any other ESCs that they do seem to be pushed pretty hard
They are definitely going in the wrong direction with their pricing.
Yeah it's kind of hard not to think that. The competition especially the Kagama is a heck of a lot cheaper
A 6s Arrma outcast is like $220 cheaper than this new sledge.
Yeah there are a lot of cheaper options out there.
Sorry but the price hike was a dumb move. They’d have done better leaving the stupid bling colors off and sticking with current tires. Yeah their prices are not the best. I am a Traxxas fan boy believe me, but this video and all the highest category pricing helped me to decide to get my next basher I’m looking for from Arrma.
Take a look at the Kagama too. It's worth checking out
@@DoRC well unfortunately my budget means I’m in the 3s basher range so it really was coming down to the Arrma BLX lineup. Less the Senton. Don’t need anymore SCT’s. I’ll check Corally out tho for their comparable 3s rigs. Probably wouldn’t even use a 3s that much anyways. Smaller area and batts ain’t cheap. Lol I know I know… I say that now… first bash on 3s and it’s probably over for the pocketbook
@JFlyer1973 check out my videos on the new syncro. Might not be what you're looking for but it's pretty sweet for the price
@@DoRC you just changed my trajectory man! So car to car vs the Typhon the Syncro wins out because of 4s capability. Whereas I have to fork over another $70 to get the 4s BLX from Arrma. And Traxxas, while I’m a fanboy… their $ just takes them outta the running. Otherwise I’d get a Rustler 4x4 Ultimate (outta price range). Or even just the VXL I think which is, about $30 more. But again, only 3s. Then ask myself… do I really want to spend the cash on 4s batts? Lol decisions decisions
4S batteries really aren't that much more expensive and you'd get a lot more car with the syncro. Hobby recreation products is the main TC distributor in the US and they always have coupon codes and don't charge shipping or tax so you can get it for basically the same price as the 3S Typhon. The only real limitations are lack of upgrade parts and fewer places you can buy replacement parts though there are usually a few places online you can always get the parts you need.
£100 extra 😂😂😂😂 traxxas taking the piss
Yeah it's definitely not cheap.
Did traxxas drop the already WAY too high $699 price tag on the old version, most likely no. And I’ll bet this new sledge has an all new higher price tag. Man I love my $549 6s Arrma outcast. 😂 I have RC cars from all companies. Even lots of older traxxas nitro vehicles and a few of their electrics. But the way your going traxxas, just reinventing cars you already have, and with higher price tags, still not interested traxxas. Give us more affordable products, not more expensive versions of current and older models!
Yeah that seems to be the general consensus. I'm sure plenty of people will buy it at this price but it seems like what they did was just create an excuse to increase the price which kind of makes it seem like they think we are fools but who knows maybe we are :-)
Traxxas doesn't listen too much to the reviews??...just add some bling?...😂
Pretty much.
It's not centrifugal force that rotates the car, it's the change in angular momentum
True. My mind was thinking the centrifugal force that was causing the tires to balloon and I didn't shift gears in the explanation :-)
I will pass on this one and wait for a new e-revo version 3
I don't think that's going to happen. This car pretty much was made to replace the E-Revo. It's been discontinued
@@DoRC A new e-maxx will be fun but the maxx 4s certainly replace it too :(
@@samintrepid definitely
I dont know how i would feel finding *any* sintered metal gears on an 800 dollar car...
I agree. They hold up reasonably well with stock power but still. The Kagama is $200 cheaper after coupons and there's not a sintered gear on it
@DoRC oof. And im new to rc. But i know for powertools and also watching reviewers for those, sintered metal gears are a cost cutting measure and for stock applications they might work for a long time. But they dont have much performance headroom. So at certain price points you'll need to reflect on that. I didn't even know that about the Kagama! No wonder i was a fan from the start. 🙌
@insanebmxthomas Yeah TC only uses sintered gears on the Skeeter and now the new 4S synchro which are both budget machines
Fan F***** tastic.. LETS GOOOOO
You're excited about it?
The price increase is worth the tires alone👍🏽👍🏽
I guess. If you want belted tires it might feel like it's a decent deal but keep in mind that those belted tires probably cost Traxxas 5 extra dollars.
@@DoRC yeah I guess you’re right, although I do see a lot of traxxas hate I am totally blown away by my XRT unlimited I’m actually building a track for large scale trucks on my back property👍🏽👍🏽
Color ,tires,spur gear😅😅😅😊😊
That's pretty much it
every other rc brand can do the same, fixing a known issue by making a new revision or a V2 etc, but at the same price, or even sell or give an update kit like corally as done with the 2021 model. I'm done with traxxas they are out of touch when they try to compete with other brand.
Yeah honestly I don't even really feel like they fixed anything here. The spur gear is far from the weakest point on this truck and half the people aren't even going to want belted tires.
Still same motor mount lame....to bad they don't send them out with matching chassis
I believe they will have matching chassis.
I love my sledge but it's over priced at 700 let alone 770. And those upgrades are not worth the extra price imo.
I agree not at all. I'm not really sure these were ever designed to be upgrades. I think it's more a the fact that they wanted to increase the price and put a little lipstick on it to try to justify it
Money talks so if the price hike keeps people away then they will have to make a change. Everyone can bash on Traxxas and the pricing but in the end they are selling so someone is buying them. Just not me.
Yeah I agree. They're good at making money and if they weren't making money they would be doing something else.
Another thing, Traxxas 6s vxl does not seem to be a true 6s esc. It feels like it is overpowered and strained when running 6s, hence all the surging and lack of throttle control, not to mention the overhearing. Put a 4s in and it drives much smoother hence why I feel this is not a true 6 esc. None of these issues with the Spektrum 6s systems nor Team Corally's 6s systems which are pretty much s MAX 6 esc I think. They really need much more work on their 6s esc. It is the worst on the market and it kills what could be decent vechiles in the Sledge and Maxx/Slash. The motor mount in the Sledge is also brutal. You literally cant really change the pinion gear size in it. Their 4s system in the Maxx I feel is very good but their 3s system is the same as the 6s system. It is overpowered on 3s however on 2s, it is much smoother. Go drive an HPI WR8 and then go drive a Ranger Raptor R and you will see a true 3s in the WR8 and 2s trying to be a 3s in the Ranger Raptor R or rheir comparable Fiesta.
To some degree I agree with this. The VXL 6s always does seem like it's being pushed really hard. The VXL3S definitely struggles on 3S especially without a fan.
BOLD NEW COLORS! Typical "new" truck from Traxxas.
$70 price increase for BOLD NEW COLORS?? Are they mad? This really makes the 6s Arrma lineup look that much better. Even the Bigrock with its gorgeous body and the EXB Kraton are 'only" $699. It's like Traxxas knows there are a group of hard-core fan boy's who'll buy anything they offer. I don't get it and it shouldn't bother me but as long as people keep buying this crap they won't build anything really new and great and that does affect me. Thank goodness for Arrma, Redcat, Rllarlo, and even MJX or I'd be forced to have piles of cash everywhere.
Yeah they do seem to keep being able to make money.
Honestly, all of these recent 'updated' releases coming from Traxxas are "disappointing". Seems to me, Traxxas is becoming the new Apple. How so? Just like Apple, Traxxas is putting minimal effort into these (so-called) 'upgraded' vehicles. They maintain their exceptional (but still somewhat questionable) customer service (ever tried calling them for specs? Good luck in getting answers), while adding a little "bling", and charging more. In truth, their internal goal is nothing more than increasing profits. If they can 'force' upgrades on buyers, they might not be making as much as if they sold those same upgrades separately...but, by "selling" them to people who might not have ever intended on getting those upgrades, they end up making more $$$ in the long run.
In the $70 price increase, they're including what probably amounts to $10 (their cost) in 'upgrade' parts, thus increasing their profit by $60 per unit sold. For every 10 people who buy the 'new' vehicles, let's say only 4 of them would have purchased the upgrades separately. Although Traxxas might be losing 10% per buyer on those 4 people, they will be gaining 40% per buyer on the other 6. These percentages aren't factual...just my rough guess-timate...but, it should help to better understand what Traxxas is actually doing.
In short, Traxxas' "morals" are becoming more & more 'questionable', starting with last year's 3rd-party upgrade parts matter, followed by a few "Ultimate" RTR releases, and now several recent 'new'/'upgraded' releases. In all honesty, I can completely understand why more & more people are saying they won't buy anymore Traxxas RCs. I'm not saying I am among that group...but, the percentage probability of me joining that group increases. In terms of "value for money spent", Arrma appears to be offering a 'better' value, and Rlaarlo is offering a "way better" value.
I agree with most of this though I did want to mention that the third party upgrade thing allegedly was a mistake. Traxxas hired a different company to go after some large Chinese counterfeiters and they got a little overzealous. According to the people that were involved in it it was resolved satisfactorily.
@@DoRC I know you mentioned that once before, and I did try researching the information, but came up empty-handed. Honestly, it doesn't entirely make sense. You say they were hired to go after Chinese companies, yet they also went after American companies, and at least one European company that I am aware of. I'm not saying that the information is incorrect, as it is entirely possible. But, if that's the case, then why didn't Traxxas publicly mention that aspect of it?
Stock traxxas sintered pinion gear is junk, I shredded mine. Was running Hobbywing Max 8 ESC and 2200KV motor.
They aren't the best but I never really had any problems with mine even on 8S.
Here’s my opinion. JUNK
I'm not sure I would call the card junk but I think overpriced is a fair assessment
@@DoRC my comment would get deleted if I said what I really think of it.
@@FEboats Well not by me but maybe by yt:)
I won't be buying one at that price. That's a $500 rc tops.
In today's market it might be a little bit more than that but I don't see any reason why this should be more expensive than the competition. And it's a lot more expensive than the competition now.
Spur gear is junk ring and onion is junk chassis is junk I had to put alot of money into my sledge to actually bash it hard. My kraton on the other hand is still mostly stock and loving it.
Yeah especially the new EXB is stronger than this out of the box for sure.
Thx I watch your channel as well and learned alot from your videos
There is nothing worse than a "junk ring and onion" they taste like crap.
@@MagnifiedGiant eew
that price is stupid
Yeah kind of seems like they've priced themselves right out of the competition